Education
Reciprocal Question-Answer Relationships (ReQARs)
Reciprocal Question-Answer Relationships (ReQARs) is an extension of the QAR strategy that emphasizes student-generated questions. This approach combines the benefits of QARs with reciprocal teaching, promoting active engagement and deeper comprehension of texts.
Key features of ReQARs:
- Student-led questioning: Learners create questions based on QAR categories
- Collaborative learning: Peers answer and discuss questions in small groups
- Role reversal: Students take turns being the “teacher” or discussion leader
- Metacognitive awareness: Enhanced understanding of question types and sources of answers
Implementation steps:
- Introduce and practice QAR categories
- Model question generation for each category
- Guide students in creating their own questions
- Facilitate small group discussions using student-generated questions
- Encourage reflection on the questioning and answering process
Benefits of ReQARs:
- Increased student engagement and ownership of learning
- Improved comprehension through active questioning
- Enhanced critical thinking and analytical skills
- Development of effective communication and collaboration abilities
By incorporating ReQARs into reading instruction, educators can foster a more interactive and student-centered approach to text comprehension, leading to deeper understanding and more meaningful learning experiences.